original paul newman daytona ,Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Prices & History ,original paul newman daytona, Paul Newman was once the most bankable movie star in the world and tonight at Phillips auction house in New York, he became the undisputed king of the watch world when his 1968 Rolex Daytona. As of August 2023, the most affordable way to buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is through the vintage market. For example, you can get the Oyster Perpetual Lady 76080 in stainless steel with a black dial for around 2,800 USD. . silver, pink or blue dial and sells for between 6,700 and 7,100 USD on Chrono24. Rolex demands 5,300 USD for this .
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most iconic watches ever made, and its connection with actor Paul Newman has turned it into an even greater legend. Among collectors and watch enthusiasts, the so-called "Paul Newman" Daytona is regarded as a must-have, particularly the rare and coveted reference models like the 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, and 6265. This article delves deep into the history, prices, and significance of the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, as well as how the watch has evolved into one of the most desirable timepieces in the world.
The Origins of the Paul Newman Daytona
The Rolex Daytona, a chronograph introduced in 1963, was designed with motorsports enthusiasts in mind. Named after the famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida, it was built for precision timing, offering racers the ability to measure elapsed time with accuracy. However, it wasn’t until a few years later, when it became associated with actor Paul Newman, that the Daytona gained its cult status.
Newman, an accomplished actor and race car driver, was known for his distinctive style and love for motorsports. In the late 1960s, Newman received a Rolex Daytona from his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. The watch, which featured an unusual and striking dial with contrasting sub-dials (often referred to as the "exotic" dial), became a staple on his wrist. Over time, these rare dials were linked with Newman, and the watch became known as the "Paul Newman" Daytona.
Interestingly, Rolex never officially named the watch after Newman, but the association stuck, and it became a part of watch history. The uniqueness of these timepieces, combined with their connection to one of Hollywood's most beloved figures, is what has fueled their enduring popularity.
The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Models
The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman is typically associated with several specific references: 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, and 6265. Each of these references has a unique place in Rolex history, and they all share the iconic "Paul Newman" dial, which features contrasting colors, art deco-style numerals, and, in some cases, a combination of tachymeter scales and "exotic" sub-dials.
Rolex Daytona 6239: The First Paul Newman
The reference 6239, which was produced between 1963 and 1967, is the most iconic of the Paul Newman Daytonas. This watch introduced the distinctive "exotic" dial that would become synonymous with the Paul Newman Daytona. The 6239 features a steel case, a 37mm diameter, and a manual winding movement—specifically, the Caliber 722, which was based on the Valjoux 72.
One of the most notable features of the 6239 is its "panda" dial configuration, with black sub-dials against a white dial. The black-on-white contrast was eye-catching, but the real magic of this reference lies in its unique combination of styling elements that were unlike anything seen before in the world of luxury chronographs.
While these watches initially struggled to gain popularity, over time, they became highly sought after by collectors. Today, the 6239 is one of the most expensive models within the Rolex Daytona family, with prices regularly reaching six figures.
Rolex Daytona 6241: A Slight Upgrade
The reference 6241, produced between 1965 and 1969, is another significant model in the Paul Newman Daytona lineage. This model was similar to the 6239 in many respects, but it featured a few subtle improvements. Most notably, the 6241 had a black acrylic bezel, as opposed to the metal bezel found on the earlier 6239.
The 6241 also introduced the "panda" and "reverse panda" dial configurations, which added variety to the look of the Daytona. The reverse panda configuration, with white sub-dials against a black dial, became a sought-after variant among collectors and was part of what helped fuel the "Paul Newman" Daytona craze in the 1990s.
Rolex Daytona 6262, 6263, 6264, 6265: The Later Models
By the time Rolex released the references 6262, 6263, 6264, and 6265, the Paul Newman dial had become an unmistakable part of the Daytona’s identity. These models, produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, featured improved movements and updated design features.
original paul newman daytona $12K+
original paul newman daytona - Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Prices & History